HUDDLE POST (3): CONFERENCE ETIQUETTE AND THE LIKES.

One of my favorite bloggers Kelly from Radiant Shadows shared a discussion post about ARCs, Blog Hauls and Jealousy on her blog. I suggest that before you go read this entire entry, check out first what she wrote and pointed out because I love and support it.

This post is just basically my reaction to what bloggers (not all) are fusing about and my answer to Kelly's question:

Am I the only one who feels like we’re being a little too sensitive on this “issue” or do you think people are right to get upset with bloggers who “show off” their big hauls?

Okay. Honestly? It makes me raise an eyebrow. Not to Kelly. But the "issue" itself. First of all, you guys know how much dedication book blogging requires. We have to invest so much time (reading and writing) and money (buying books or even having our own themes tweaked by pros) to make our blogs pretty, updated and of course, attract followers. Now, making a blog as successful as those well-established ones need hard work. And I think, their stats show it, don't you think?

Why would some people get upset when a hard working blogger gets ARCs or post big book haul?

Probably because they're way too insecure. That their insecurity eats them alive that it makes them think irrationally.

Probably because they're too far from a conference's location or busy to attend. I live miles and miles and miles away from US but I don't know, I feel happy for those people who always get to attended signings or conferences and I use it as a motivation to be a better blogger. I know some people feel that way too. I seriously ENVY those who get to attend BEA, SDCC, ALA, NYCC etc yet I appreciate their efforts in sharing what they've gotten and what they've experienced/seen.

Probably because there's no affirmation from publishers. I think we really don't need it. We book blog because we love books and reading. Being recognized by the publisher should always come as a bonus for us. If they don't send ARCs, we shouldn't get upset and instead keep working hard.

Probably because those people who post big hauls are just proud of their accomplishments as bloggers. Actually, this is possible. Only some people's judgements are.. wrong.

There is no instant success in this world, literally. Everything requires HARD WORK and DEDICATION. Plus, why think of those bloggers who share their BIG HAUL as show offs? These are just people like you and me who wanted to share what they have. They wanted to share how happy they are for the new titles that would pile their TBRs up and then would complain later. Just like you and me. Why can't we just all be supportive of each other or be happy for each other? No etiquettes should be made for posting hauls because aren't we all mature for this? If you know you're not supposed to post something or if you are unsure if you could (only if there are instructions not to post), then just don't. Kelly is right that we are just being a little to sensitive about this issue and we should all be friends in this community. And Katie is right too, she learned her lesson from the past that she just wanted to share it to prevent people from making the same thing but shoving and running? Come on, guys. We are better than this.

Isn't blogging a form of self-expression? Nothing should stop us from posting/sharing our thoughts or even our hauls. Nothing. Unless we're filming our vlogs naked.

*hugs*